Course Description
Topics in multicultural studies, with primary focus on literature by members of one or more traditionally marginalized cultural groups within the United States and with attention to historical context and theoretical aspects.
Athena Title
Multicultural American Lit
Prerequisite
Two 2000-level ENGL courses or (one 2000-level ENGL course and one 3000-level ENGL course) or (one 2000-level ENGL course and one 2000-level CMLT course)
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The purpose of the course is to provide students with detailed knowledge of one or more of the following cultures-- African American, Native American, Latino/a, and/or Asian American. Students will learn about the history of cultural diversity in the United States. They will also be taught how to do scholarly research and to write an analytical essay.
Topical Outline
Topics and texts will vary according to the instructor, the semester in which the course is offered, and other variables. Readings will include: 1. novels, drama, poetry, short stories, oral literature, popular culture, art, music, and/or architecture. 2. secondary and primary materials related to the culture(s) being studied. Topics to be covered may include: 1. African American, Native American, Latino/a, and/or Asian American literature 2. The history of cultural diversity in the United States 3. Multicultural theory Students should also expect that instructors will assign a combination of short and long writing assignments, including journal entries, analytical essays, and/or essay exams totaling 20-25 pages. Criteria for grading include analytical content, grammar, style, and (if applicable) quality and breadth of critical and theoretical sources.
Syllabus